I really think it's a reaction to the rumblings that 3D is on its way out as fast as it came in. It would really be a disservice to fans if the industry moved on to the next gimmick and we didn't get through the classic trilogy.

Jeesus, welcome to last year Lucasfilm. That's when everyone could see this was the way forward. Well, beter late than never I guess, but I simply cannot believe they managed to piss away whatever excitement, good will, and momentum they built around TPM 3D with this crap.

I wonder why the seasonal change though - SEs came out in the winter doldrums, which made sense. I wonder if they're trying to avoid stepping on, or getting stepped on by Jurasic Park? Maybe plugging Indy into late 2012 had something to do with it too?

I really think it's a reaction to the rumblings that 3D is on its way out as fast as it came in. It would really be a disservice to fans if the industry moved on to the next gimmick and we didn't get through the classic trilogy.

Hah - agree!
Personally, this 3D lark just gives me a headache. Went to see Phantom Menace 3D and, while it was nice to see my third least favourite SW film on the big screen again, it remains my only 3D cinema experience. It just doesn't add anything for me - like looking at the same film, but with cardboard cutouts replacing the actors (hang on, maybe it will enhance AOTC... ).
But seriously, I resent how there had been a big push to market this as a new format - like, you've got your HD TV set... here's the next big thing you simply must own to keep up with the latest standard...
It's not really a new format is it, not in the same sense that the evolutionary trend has been (generally speaking) to improve upon the video and audio quality of the previous format.
3D is, in it's current state, a gimmicky way of watching an existing format. In the same way that the pop-up book never really replaced the traditional novel.

I'll watch the next two movies in 3D - but it will be purely to see them in a theatre environment again, not for the thrill of feeling like I got my head glued to a Viewmaster for three hours at a time.
Like Topeka said - I hope the gimmick doesn't fizzle out comepletely before the opportunity to see the OT in theatres again passes.

I'll watch the next two movies in 3D - but it will be purely to see them in a theatre environment again, not for the thrill of feeling like I got my head glued to a Viewmaster for three hours at a time.Like Topeka said - I hope the gimmick doesn't fizzle out comepletely before the opportunity to see the OT in theatres again passes.

2D TPM screenings were available in plentiful supply in my area. The same movie, just in 2D. I hate 3D too (for all the reasons you mention and more) so this was a good alternative. I'd bet you could find 2D showings when the movies come out and it's worth doing.

I'd say we'll see the Trilogy in 2014 now, which will then roll into Episode VII 3D.

I think you are right about that. I just noticed that the above announcement about II & III coming out sooner than later was made back in August, around the time that the Disney deal would have been in full swing.